TxDOT: Cable barrier to be installed along US 96

A portion of US 96 will soon be upgraded with some of the best technology designed to save lives. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) says it is installing cable barrier along a 13-mile section of the highway between the Jasper County Line and Lumberton. TxDOT says the project will greatly help reduce head-on collisions.

“We are in the safety business,” said Tucker Ferguson, Beaumont District Engineer. “Cable barrier has proven to save lives and reduce the severity of injuries and wrecks along Texas highways.”

Cable barrier helps stop vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic. When hit, the barrier helps slow the vehicle and redirect it away from other vehicles. In many cases, the barrier’s flexibility reduces the amount of damage to vehicles. Across the nation, cable barrier has stopped fully loaded 18-wheelers from crossing the median. In the Beaumont District alone, the system has prevented dozens of cross-over wrecks along portions of I-10, US 69 and US 59. The barrier has helped to avoid major head-on collisions and most likely saved countless lives.

SCR Construction is the project contractor. The $1.5 million project is expected to be complete in the fall.